Chicago

Chi-Town Foodies Reveal Chicago‘s Hidden Gems

The Vacationeer

10/29/2019

Summary: There’s no shortage of good food in Chicago. Check out these Chi Town foodies’ hidden gems for some seriously delicious and unique eats.

No visit to Chicago is complete without enjoying one of the city’s favorite eateries. So we’ve uncovered where Chi-town foodies love to indulge.

Before we reveal our restaurant picks, check out one of these great Chicago food tours to enjoy several popular restaurants in one afternoon.

Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago Food Tours

If you are looking for great food tours in Chicago, look no further than Bobby’s Bike Hike. Whether by biking or walking, Bobby’s food tours will let you experience the best of Chicago through your belly. Try one or all of these tours:

Bikes, Bites & Brews Tour– Sample each of Chicago’s four favorite food groups: pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes, and beer. You’ll cover over 12 miles on the bike!
Chinatown Food & Culture Walking Tour– Curious about Chinatown but unsure where to start? Sample culinary delights from five distinct Chinese regions while learning the history of Chinese immigration to Chicago.
Chicago Favorites Walking & Food Tour– feast on Chicago’s culinary legends such as deep-dish pizza, Italian Beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, and dessert.

Pe quod’s Pizza, Chicago

Location: On Cliburn Avenue (in between Lincoln Park and Wicker Park neighborhoods)

Pe quod’s Pizza Developed a cult following by serving pan-style pizza with a “caramelized crust” edge. Mozzarella cheese is then cooked along the side of a cast-iron pan creating a crust unlike any other.

Choose from thin crust to pan pizzas and pick your toppings.
Order a pint of Pe quod’s Grapefruit IPA, which is perfectly pairs with their caramelized crust

View this post on Instagram Is it Chicago Pizza if it isn’t Pe quod’s Pan style with a Caramelized Crust?⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ You tell us.⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ #PequodsPizza #ChiLovesPequods #ChicagoPizza A post shared by Pe quod’s Pizza (@pequodspizza) on Apr 11, 2019 at 3:02pm PDT

Original Rainbow Cone

Location: Navy Pier (or the original in South Side, Chicago)The Original Rainbow Cone has been around since 1926 and serves a signature layered cone that includes chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet flavors.

You can visit the original location, complete with awning-covered picnic tables, in South Side, Chicago. Or, walk to Navy Pier from Hilton Grand Vacations Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile to indulge in a signature cone.

View this post on Instagram Sometimes you just gotta stop and enjoy the view. 🌈 📸 @hanankhalil313 A post shared by Original Rainbow Cone (@theoriginalrainbowcone) on Jun 27, 2019 at 11:12am PDT

Bomb Bar

Location: West Loop & Old Town

Bomb Bar is famous for Bobolinks – an Italian holeless donut infused with various filling flavors. Bomb’s two sites each offer a full menu, but with a slightly different experience.

Bomb Bar West Loop rotates, depending on the season, between a café and a cozy heated space. Old Town is a sit-down location. Aside from Bobolinks, try these favorites:

Burnt pepperoni pizza by the square
Bomb Chopped Salad with smoked mustard vinaigrette
Campfire S’ mores housemate gelato

Etta

Location: Buck town and Wicker Park area

Simple. Flavorful. Wood-fired food. Etta’s is a neighborhood hotspot for Chi-town foodies, with a locally sourced New American menu of wood-fired fare & brunch plates. Try some of these crave-worthy dishes:

Chef Danny’s personal favorite, the “Fire Pie, topped with sausage, Gardiner, and Chile de Arbol.
Fresh pasta like the hand-rolled “Beating Cacao e Pepe”
The Pig Picnic, which features tender slices of pork shoulder and crispy pork belly.

About the Author The Vacationeer

The Vacationeer is a collective of Hilton Grand Vacations storytellers whose goal is to inspire travelers to go further. We're always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, useful travel tips, and unique ideas to help you plan the most memorable vacations possible.

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